WO2018198024A1

WO2018198024A1 - A device for dispensing an additive substance into a main substance and a method of dispensing an additive substance into a main substance

Info

Publication number: WO2018198024A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/052836
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jarosław FEJDASZ; Adrian LEWANDOWSKI
Original assignee: Fejdasz Jaroslaw; Lewandowski Adrian
Priority date: 2017-04-25
Filing date: 2018-04-24
Publication date: 2018-11-01
Also published as: PL421409A1

Abstract

The invention provides a device (1) and method for dispensing an additive substance into a main substance accommodated within a basic packaging, in particular a packaging with a main substance chamber, side walls and at least one closing transverse wall. The dispensing device (1) comprises a framework (2) positioned within the basic packaging, along with an additive substance dispenser (4) seated therein, and the dispenser (4) is at least one container of an irregular shape with an additive substance chamber (42) and at least one opening (41) openable to the outside. The framework (2) is positioned freely within the main substance chamber of the basic packaging so that it abuts the transverse wall of the basic packaging and extends along its side walls and comprises a support (3) for the underside of the dispenser (4) with the additive substance.

Description

A device for dispensing an additive substance into a main substance and a method of dispensing an additive substance into a main substance

The invention provides a device for dispensing an additive substance into a main substance and to a method of dispensing an additive substance to a main substance accommodated within a main packaging, in particular a packaging with a main substance chamber defined by side walls and at least one closing transverse wall.

Devices and systems of diverse kinds are known for internal dispensing an additive substance into a main substance accommodated inside a packaging causing as a result introduction of the additive substance into the main substance and mixing them together.

From the specification of the European Patent EP 1 979 253 B 1 a packaging is known, such as a bottle or a jar, comprising a chamber for accommodation of a main ingredient, said chamber having an opening closed by means of a closing element releasably connected in the opening and an additive chamber. The additive chamber opens to the outside the packaging to enable replenishment of the additive. The additive is released inside the main ingredient chamber of the packaging and it is dispensed due to a pressure change inside the main ingredient chamber resulting from opening of the packaging.

US 2010258457 Al discloses a main packaging with a closing comprising a rotatable cap. Inside a main package chamber an additional container of an irregular shape is seated in a dedicated framework, said additional container being used for dispensing an additive substance into a main substance accommodated within the main packaging. The additive substance is released from the additional container as a result of piercing of the surface of the additional container by one of barbs mounted on the framework below the additional container therein (and the accompanying turning of the cap).

Document WO 9504689 Al teaches a solution where dispensing of an additive into a main substance accommodated within a packaging, for example a can, occurs as a result of mechanical release of an opening of an additive chamber. Said chamber is seated by means of legs that are fixedly secured to the inner walls of the packaging. In the upper wall the chamber is provided with a vertical closing element terminated in a plug fixed in the opening. At the time when the packaging becomes opened, there occurs a change in the pressure that causes unsealing of the chamber opening by removing from its perimeter of a closing element terminated with a plug.

From the patent specification US 6 209 757 B 1 a packaging is known that comprises a first container with a first ingredient, a second container with a second ingredient, and a chamber positioned over the first container and intended for mixing the first and second ingredients. As a result of, for example, applying pressure onto the packaging walls, dispensing of the first and second ingredients occurs into the chamber and their mixing together. Additionally, in the chamber an opening is provided to prevent the mixture of the ingredients to return into the packaging.

Document US 9 452 870 B 1 in turn discloses a packaging, for example a bottle, can or pouch, where in its upper part a container with an additional ingredient is mounted. The container is suspended in a framework that is fixedly secured to the outlet of the packaging. As a result of an actuating member being pressed a mandrel positioned in an opening causes piercing of the container and release of the additional ingredient and dispensing thereof into the main substance in the packaging.

The above commented documents describe solutions for dispensing devices of various kinds in which each time no interference into the construction of the basic packaging has been required. The object of the invention is to provide a new and non-interfering into the construction of the basic packaging construction of a device for dispensing an additive substance into a main substance. Additionally, the object of the invention is to provide a method enabling user-controlled dispensing of an additive substance into a main substance, both with regard to the amount of the additive substance being introduced and to the time selected by the user for carrying out such dispensing.

The inventive device for dispensing an additive substance into a main substance accommodated within a basic packaging, in particular a packaging with a main substance chamber, side walls and at least one closing transverse wall, comprises a framework, positioned within the basic packaging, with a dispenser seated therein, with the additive substance. The dispenser is at least one container of an irregular shape, with an additive substance chamber and at least one opening openable to the outside. The device is characterized in that the framework is positioned freely within the main substance chamber of the basic packaging so as it abuts the transverse wall of the basic packaging and extends along its side walls and comprises a support for the underside of the dispenser with the additive substance.

Preferably, the support for the underside of the dispenser with the additive substance is positioned within the framework.

Preferably, the support for the underside of the dispenser is shaped in a form of a basket with arms suspended in the framework that form a cavity, and within the inner side of the cavity a dispenser is positioned.

Preferably, the arms have openings.

Also preferably, the support for the underside of the dispenser is shaped in a form of at least two halves suspended in the framework.

In another preferable solution the dispenser has a conical shape.

Preferably, in the upper part of the dispenser an opening is formed that is openable to the outside. Preferably, the opening is closed in a releasable manner by means of a

Plug- Preferably, the plug is provided with a safety element. Also preferably, the opening is covered by a membrane. Further preferably, the dispenser has a shape of a bulb. Preferably, the dispenser has incisions.

Preferably, the dispenser, in its bottom part, has a circumferential indentation for the arms of the support.

Additionally preferably, the framework has at least two side bearings.

Preferably, the side bearings extend along at least a half of the height of the side walls of the basic packaging.

Preferably, the side bearings extend vertically along the entire height of the side walls of the basic packaging.

Also preferably, the side bearings extend spirally along the entire height of the side walls of the basic packaging.

In a preferred solution the framework has a central support which is with its one end secured centrally in the outer part of the support cavity, and with its second end it abuts the transverse wall of the basic packaging, and the side bearings extend along a half of the height of the side walls of the basic packaging.

Preferably, it has two oppositely oriented dispensers that are connected by a central support secured at both sides in the outer parts of the support cavity under each of the dispensers.

Also preferably, the framework has two sets of side bearings extending along the side walls of the basic packaging. Additionally preferably, the framework has at least one outer ring secured within the securement of the support for the underside of the dispenser with the additive substance.

Furthermore in a preferred solution the framework is shaped spirally.

Preferably, the framework has a support for the underside of the dispenser, shaped into a form of at least two halves seated at diverse heights inside the framework.

Additionally preferably, the framework is coupled with the transverse wall of the basic packaging.

The inventive method of dispensing an additive substance into a main substance accommodated within a basic packaging, in particular a packaging with a main substance chamber, side walls and at least one closing transverse wall, comprises applying pressure onto the side walls of the basic packaging and introduction of compressive pressure acting on a dispenser with the additive substance. Then the additive substance is dispensed into the main substance inside the main substance chamber of the basic packaging and within it the additive substance is mixed with the main substance. As a result of introduction of the compressive pressure acting on the additive substance dispenser at least one opening of the dispenser opens to the outside and the additive substance is dispensed therethrough into the basic substance. The method is characterized in that transfer of the pressure from the side walls of the basic packaging onto the dispenser for the additive substance occurs uniformly by means of a framework positioned freely within the main substance chamber and a support for the underside of the dispenser with the additive substance.

The object of the invention is presented in its embodiments in the drawing where:

fig. 1 is a perspective view of a device for dispensing an additive substance to a main substance, according to an embodiment of the invention, fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a device for dispensing an additive substance into a main substance according to fig. 1,

fig. 3 is a schematic view of the positioning of a device for dispensing an additive substance into a main substance according to fig. 1 inside an exemplary basic packaging,

fig. 4 is a perspective view of a device for dispensing an additive substance into a main substance according to another embodiment,

fig. 5 is a perspective view of a framework of a device for dispensing an additive substance into a main substance according to fig. 4,

fig. 6 is a perspective view of a device for dispensing an additive substance into a main substance according to another embodiment,

fig. 7 is a perspective view of a device for dispensing an additive substance into a main substance according to another embodiment,

fig. 8 is a perspective view of a device for dispensing an additive substance into a main substance according to another embodiment,

fig. 9 is a perspective view of a device for dispensing an additive substance into a main substance according to another embodiment,

fig. 10 is a perspective view of a device for dispensing an additive substance into a main substance according to another embodiment,

fig. 11 is a perspective view of a device for dispensing an additive substance into a main substance according to another embodiment,

fig. 12 is a side view of a device for dispensing an additive substance into a main substance according to another embodiment,

fig. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of a device for dispensing an additive substance into a main substance according to fig. 12,

fig. 14 is a perspective view of a device for dispensing an additive substance into a main substance with a dispenser according to another embodiment, fig. 15 is a perspective view of a device for dispensing an additive substance into a main substance with a dispenser according to another embodiment, fig. 16 is a perspective view of a device for dispensing an additive substance into a main substance with a dispenser according to another embodiment, and fig. 17 shows embodiments of a dispenser plug with diverse safety elements, where a) the safety element is a safety ring, b) the securing element is a safety plate, and c) the safety element is a star safety element.

A dispensing device 1 is positioned in a basic packaging comprising a main substance, such as cans, bottles, tubes, pouches, etc., i.e. ones that comprise a main substance chamber, side walls and at least one closing transverse wall. The device according to the invention is positioned within the basic container in a free manner and this means that its use does not require any change or interference into the construction of the basic packaging as such.

In the presented embodiment of the invention the device 1 for dispensing an additive substance into a mains substance is positioned within a can as specifically shown in fig. 3.

According to fig. 1-3 the device 1 for dispensing an additive substance into a main substance accommodated within the basic packaging 10, comprises a framework 2 with a support 3 on which a dispenser 4 with an additive substance is seated. The framework 2 has supports 21 that (as in particular shown in fig. 3 - the outline of the dosing device 1 is marked with a break line) extend vertically along the side walls of the basic packaging 10. According to the presented embodiments the framework 2 has four side bearings 21 that are spaced angularly apart by an angle of 90° and the outline of their outer perimeter corresponds to the outline of the inner perimeter of the basic packaging 10.

On the side bearings 21 , inside the framework 2, a support 3 is positioned that is shaped in a form of a basket with arms 31 suspended in the framework 2 and defining a cavity and within the inner side of the cavity a dispenser 4 is seated. As shown in fig. 2, the dispenser 4 has a frustoconical form and a chamber 42 for an additive substance is positioned therein. The dispenser 4 is terminated in an opening 41 openable to the outside, which opening is closed releasably by means of a plug 5. Additionally, in its bottom part the dispenser 4 has a circumferential indentation 43 formed on its outer surface and used for fixing the position of the dispenser 4 on the arms 31 of the support 3. Figs. 4 and 5 show details of a further embodiment of a dispensing device 1, according to which the framework 2 has three side brackets 21 spaced angularly apart by 120°. Additionally, the framework is provided with an outer ring 6 positioned at the height of the support 3 for the underside of the dispenser 4 with an additive substance, where the arms 31 of the support 3 are secured to the inside the outer ring 6. The arms 31 of the support 3 are provided within their securement with the outer ring 6 of the framework 2 with openings 32 that are to intended to ensure flow therethrough of the product accommodated inside the basic packaging and for assisting the process of mixing the main substance with the additive substance. Moreover, the plug 5 of the dispenser 4 is provided with a safety element in a form of a ring 7 to prevent possible escaping of the plug 5 from the basic packaging 10 (Fig. 3) when separated from the dispenser 4.

Fig. 6 shows a further, similar to the previous one, embodiment of a dispensing device 1 using six spaced apart by 60° side brackets 21 of the framework 2.

According to fig. 7 a dispensing device 1 has a framework 2 that is provided with an outer ring 6, a support 3 and two oppositely positioned side brackets 21. One of the side brackets 21 is oriented downwards and abuts the construction of the dispensing device 1 in the base of the basic packaging (not shown), while the other side bracket 21 is oriented upwardly of the basic packaging. Each of the side brackets 21 has a length corresponding to approximately a half of the height of the basic device side walls (now shown).

Fig. 8 shows another, possible for this invention embodiment, of a dispensing device 1. In this case the framework 2 is provided with three side brackets 6 extending upwardly from the outer ring 6. In the center of the outer part of the cavity positioned within the framework 2 of the support 3 a central bracket 22 is secured on its one end. The other end of the central bracket 22 abuts the transverse wall of the basic packaging (not shown). The lengths of the side brackets 21 and the central bracket 22 approximately correspond to a half of the length of the side walls of the basic device (not shown). Another embodiment of a dispensing device 1 is shown in fig. 9. In this case the dispensing device 1 is provided with two dispensers 4 to which supports

3 are connected by means of a central support 22 secured at both sides. The dispensers 4 are oriented with their openings in opposite directions inside the basic packaging (not shown) and are suspended in two separate outer rings 6 of the framework 2 from which side brackets 21 extend.

Figs. 10 and 11 show an embodiment of a dispensing device 1 where the framework 2 has spirally shaped side brackets 21, secured in the outer ring 6 and extending along the entire height of the side walls of the basic packaging (not shown). In the first of the presented embodiments (fig. 10) the framework 2 is provided with three side brackets 21, while in the other case (fig. 11) the framework 2 has six side brackets 21.

Figs. 12 and 13 present an embodiment of a dispensing device 1 with an entirely spiral framework 2. As shown in cross-section in fig. 13, the dispenser

4 is seated within a support 3 shaped as two oppositely positioned shelves 3 ' and 3 " at different heights within the framework 2. On the lower shelf 3 ' of the support 3 the bottom of the dispenser is positioned, and the upper shelf 3 " of the support 3 abuts a skew part of the dispenser 4 and thus fixes its position within the framework 2.

Figs. 14-16 shows embodiments of a dispensing device 1 with different, possible for this invention, forms of a dispenser 4. According to fig. 14 the dispenser 4 - similarly as in the previous embodiments - is shaped conically but its openable to the outside opening 41 is closed by means of a membrane 5'. In fig. 15 the dispenser 4 is closed from the top. At the circumference, within a bottom region of the end of the conical part the dispenser 4 is provided with incisions 8 being openings for dispensing an additional ingredient. As shown in fig. 16 it is also possible to shale the dispenser 4 as a bulb with circumferential incisions. Analogously as for the dispenser 4 the formed conically bulb dispenser 4 has a circumferential incision 43 used for fixing the position of the dispenser 4 on the arms 31 of the support 3. Fig. 17 shows embodiments of a plug 5 of the dispenser 4 with various safety elements, where a) the safety element is a safety ring 7, b) the safety element is a safety plate 7', and c) the safety element is a star safety element 7". The purpose of the safety element for the plug 5 is to prevent its escape from the opened basic packaging 10 which would pose a risk of the user swallowing the plug 5- for example when the dispensing device 1 is used in packaging comprising beverages.

A method of dispensing an additive substance into a main substance accommodated within the basic packaging is carried out at the time when the user applies compressive pressure to the circumference of the basic packaging. A framework 2 positioned within a basic packaging and extending along the side walls of the basic packaging causes that the pressure applied by the user uniformly transfers compression onto a sport 3 and from it to a dispenser 4 comprising an additive substance. As a result of increase in the pressure within the chamber 42 of the dispenser 4, opening into the outside of an opening 41 occurs and as a consequence release and dispensing of the additive substance into the main substance accommodated within the basic packaging, as well as their mixing together.

The dispensing device 1 as well as the method of dispensing an additive substance into a main substance accommodated within a basic packaging enable use by the user of exclusively the main substance and a mixture of the main substance and a selected and user-controlled volume of the additive substance.

The dispensing device 1 may be made of any materials, in particular from plastics. In the case of the use of the invention in particular in the food industry, all the elements of the dispensing device 1 should be made from polymeric plastics accepted for contact with food, such as e.g. polyethylene (PE) or polystyrene (PS). Manufacturing of the dispensing device 1 may be effected with the use of standard plastics processing technologies, such as e.g. injection molding or extruding.

The construction itself as well as the manner of operation of the dispensing device 1 do not require any changes in the construction of the basic packaging nor any changes in the technological manufacturing process of the packaging, and this constitutes a particular advantage with regard to the mass scale of the respective production. Input into the manufacturing process of the basic packaging may be limited to the final assembling step and reside solely on positioning a ready-made dispensing device 1 inside the packaging, optionally coupling for example of the transverse wall of the basic packaging with suitably formed for this purpose (e.g. bent) elements of the framework 2. Such performer assembling of the dispensing device 1 inside the basic packaging allows not only for maintaining the technological production line unchanged, but mainly causes considerable saving of time and production costs.

Of course, this invention is not limited to the presented embodiments only, and diverse modifications of the subject invention as defined in the patent claims are possible without departing from the subject-matter thereof.

Claims

Patent claims

1. A device 1 for dispensing an additive substance into a main substance accommodated within a basic packaging, in particular a packaging with a main substance chamber, side walls and at least one closing transverse wall, comprising a positioned within the basic packaging framework 2 with an additive substance dispenser 4 seated therein, and the dispenser 4 is at least one contained of an irregular shape with an additive substance chamber 42 and at least one opening 41 openable to the outside, characterized in that the framework (2) is freely positioned within the main substance chamber of the basic packaging so that it abuts the transverse wall of the basic packaging and extends along its side walls, and in that it comprises a support (3) for the underside of the dispenser (4) with the additive substance.

2. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the support (3) for the underside of the dispenser (4) with the additive substance is positioned within the framework (2).

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support (3) for the underside of the dispenser (4) is shaped in a form of a basket with arms (31) suspended on the framework and defining a cavity in which inner side the dispenser (4) is positioned.

4. A device according to claim 3, characterized in that the arms (31) have openings (32).

5. A device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support (3) for the underside of the dispenser (4) is shaped in a form of at least two shelves (3', 3") suspended on the framework (2).

6. A device according to any of claims from 1 to 5, characterized in that the dispenser (4) has a conical shape.

7. A device according to claim 6, characterized in that in the upper part of the dispenser (4) an opening (41) openable to the outside is formed.

8. A device according to claim 7, characterized in that the opening (41) is closed in a releasable manner by means of a plug (5).

9. A device according to claim 8, characterized in that the plug (5) is provided with a safety element (7, 7', 7").

10. A device according to claim 7, characterized in that the opening (41) is covered by a membrane (5').

11. A device according to any of claims from 1 to 5, characterized in that the dispenser (4) has a shape of a bulb.

12. A device according to any of claims from 6 to 11, characterized in that the dispenser (4) has incisions (8).

13. A device according to any of claims from 6 to 12, characterized in that the dispenser (4) in its lower part has a circumferential incision (43) for the arms (31) of the support (3).

14. A device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the framework (2) has at least two side brackets (21).

15. A device according to claim 14, characterized in that the side brackets (21) extend at least along a half of the height of the side walls of the basic packaging.

16. A device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the side brackets (21) extend vertically along the entire height of the side walls of the basic packaging.

17. A device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the side brackets (21) extend spirally along the entire height of the side walls of the basic packaging.

18. A device according to claim 3 or 14 or 15, characterized in that the framework (2) has a central bracket (22) which by its one end is secured centrally in the outer part of the cavity of the support (3), and with its other end abuts the transverse wall of the basic packaging, where the side brackets (21) extend along a half of the height of the side walls of the basic packaging.

19. A device according to claim 14 or 15 or 18, characterized in that it has two oppositely oriented dispensers (4) that are connected by a central bracket (22) secured at both sides in the outer parts of the cavity of the support (3) under each of the dispensers (4).

20. A device according to claim 19, characterized in that the framework (2) has two sets of side brackets (21) extending along the side walls of the basic packaging.

21. A device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the framework (2) has at least one outer ring (6) secured within the securement of the support (3) for the underside of the dispenser (4) with the additive substance.

22. A device according to any of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the framework (2) is shaped spirally.

23. A device according to claim 22, characterized in that the framework (2) has a support (3) for the underside of the dispenser, shaped in a form of at least two shelves (3', 3") seated at different heights inside the framework (2).

24. A device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the framework (2) is coupled with the transverse wall of the basic packaging.

25. A method of dispensing an additive substance into a main substance accommodated within a basic packaging, in particular a packaging with a main substance chamber, side walls and at least one closing transverse wall, in which pressure is applied onto the side walls of the basic packaging, and compressive pressure is introduced acting on a dispenser (4) with the additive substance, and the additive substance is dispensed into the main substance inside the main substance chamber of the basic packaging, and within it the additive substance is mixed with the basic substance, where as a result of introduction of the compressive pressure acting on the dispenser (4) with the additive substance at least one opening (41) of the dispenser (4) opens to the outside through which the additive substance is dispensed into the main substance, characterized in that transfer of the pressure from side walls of the basic packaging onto the dispenser (4) for the additive substance occurs uniformly by means of a framework (2) freely positioned within the main substance chamber of the basic packaging and a support (3) for the underside of the dispenser (4) with the additive substance.